Bioethical Issues in Contemporary Brazilian Culture

Euthanasia and Literature

Nicola Gavioli

Abstract

This article focuses on the way in which contemporary Brazilian literature participates in the international debate regarding bioethical issues, with a particular focus on the representation and discussion of euthanasia and assisted suicide. Analyzing novels by Carlos Heitor Cony (A morte e a vida, 2007) and Eliane Brum (Uma duas, 2011), short texts by Moacyr Scliar and Dráuzio Varella in dialogue with scholars in Critical Disability Studies, I demonstrate how Brazilian literature today is engaged in such problematic discussions as: patients’ rights, disability, and “good death,” presenting unusual points of view (A morte e a vida) and offering nuanced approaches that do not necessarily fit into binary simplifications for or against euthanasia (Uma duas).

Resumo

Abstract

This article focuses on the way in which contemporary Brazilian literature participates in the international debate regarding bioethical issues, with a particular focus on the representation and discussion of euthanasia and assisted suicide. Analyzing novels by Carlos Heitor Cony (A morte e a vida, 2007) and Eliane Brum (Uma duas, 2011), short texts by Moacyr Scliar and Dráuzio Varella in dialogue with scholars in Critical Disability Studies, I demonstrate how Brazilian literature today is engaged in such problematic discussions as: patients’ rights, disability, and “good death,” presenting unusual points of view (A morte e a vida) and offering nuanced approaches that do not necessarily fit into binary simplifications for or against euthanasia (Uma duas).

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